Supported Projects
As a CIC we legally commit to donating thirty percent of our profits to environmental and humanitarian projects
Human Trafficking
Vietnam is a beautiful place that has made great strides to alleviate poverty in a short amount of time. However, despite the countries new-found wealth, it is still a challenge for the government to tackle poverty, especially in remote rural areas.
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Due to this, these areas are where the most vulnerable and desperate individuals become the victims of human trafficking and Vietnam is unfortunately a source country for human exploitation in South East Asia. Most people often come from a poor, vulnerable or broken family and lack education or awareness of human trafficking. Women and children are often exploited by people who enticed them in to relationships to gain their trust. These men then persuade the victims to move abroad where they subject them to sex trafficking or forced labour.
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Children as young as six have been forced to work in garment factories under exploitative conditions, to maximize the profits of small businesses, up to large corporations who willingly turn a blind eye so they can maximize their profits. There has also been a worrying increase in the instances of child sex tourism to Vietnam from people coming from countries like Japan, South Korea, the U.K., Europe and the U.S.
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Coupled with this is the forced prostitution of those through fraudulent job opportunities or brokered marriages, where they are often sold at the border to countries like China, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore for physical and sexual exploitation.
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Preventing this problem from increasing is also a dire issue due to corruption as up to thirty percent of people, including traffickers have been shown to get away with their crimes by paying off the police. And although the government is making effort to curb the rise of human trafficking, funding issues are regarded as one of the main reasons for the slow response to this crisis.
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So, what do we do!?
How we help.
At Bespoke Vietnam we help by aiding organizations that focus on cases of forced child labor as well as trafficking of Vietnamese women and girls.
Law Enforcement Training
Our benefactors provide training for police, border guards and officials in child rights and combating trafficking by educating them how to identify the signs of those being trafficked.
Education and Shelter
Our CIC supports the victims of human trafficking by providing finances to shelter and give therapy to those affected, as well as organizing campaigns to raise public awareness about gender equality and how communities can combat human trafficking.
Wildlife Trafficking
Vietnam has a rich and diverse range of amazing species, with up to ten percent of its thousands of species only being found within its borders. However, Vietnam has serious issues when it comes to the illegal trafficking of rare and endangered animals within and through the country. And although efforts are being made to curb the prevalence of the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam, much still needs to be done.
In fact, Vietnam is currently the fourth largest global hub in the black market trade of trafficked animals. This is partly due to gangs operating in countries like Nigeria, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who facilitate the export of ivory products and pangolins from those countries, to Vietnam and on to other countries, like China. The seizures of illegal products typically have little effect, as they are easily recouped with the next shipment that flies under the radar. Close coordination among involved agencies, including Customs and Police could be partly blamed for law enforcement being inadequate.
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On top of this is the fact that corruption in law enforcement has led to many wildlife traffickers evading longer jail terms as they simply pay off local police. This has declined in the last few year however, as seizures have risen and imposed fines have increased since 2018. This could further be mitigated by intelligence sharing between the aforementioned countries.
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Additional to this is connection that demand for animal parts can increase for use in traditional medicine, consumption at restaurants, and the status symbol of endangered species products. Many of these animals are also transported in cramped conditions with poor sanitation. This not only has a detrimental psychological effect of the animals but also facilitates the spread of disease.
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So, how do we help?
How we help.
Educational campaigns are at the heart of our support efforts. Awareness campaigns reach millions across the country through schools, TV, radio, public events, social media, leaflet distribution, airport banners, and bus shelter posters. Once people know, they can act!
Investigation Collaboration
Our benefactors investigate potential crimes from perpetrators before working close with local jurisdictions to bring those accused to justice, within the full extent of the law. This has already led to thousands of live animals being rescued and huge fines being imposed.
Disincentivise Future Traffickers
Our CIC aims to not only support the above solutions, but also work with the appropriate organizations to warn potential traffickers about the consequences of engaging in this illegal behaviour.
